Nectarine tree named &#34;Nectafine&#34;

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree, denominated ‘Nectafine’, has fruits of very long shelf life withour alteration before and after harvesting, a semi-sweet yellow flesh of high-eating quality and an attractive red skin. Fruits can be consumed crunchy or melting.

This application claims priority of Community plant variety right No.2008/0580 filed on Mar. 17, 2008, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BOTANICAL CLASSIFICATION

Prunus persica var. nucipersica.

VARIETY DENOMINATION

‘Nectafine’.

BACKGROUND OF THE VARIETY

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of Prunuspersica var. nucipersica yellow nectarine tree, which has been given thedenomination ‘Nectafine’. This tree, named ‘Nectafine’, producesclingstone fruits of good eating quality for fresh market in middle tolate September in the 66 —Pyrénées-Orientales departement—France.Contrast is made to ‘Nectalady’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 17,580),‘Nectagala’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No.17,581) and ‘Maillardou’ (Bonbon®)(non-patented) yellow nectarine trees, standard varieties, for reliabledescription. ‘Nectafine’ is a promising candidate for commercial successin that it has an evenness of maturity, and produces regular fruits inlarge quantity and with a high productivity. It was chosen because ofits hardiness and fruit lifetime before and after harvest, and becauseof its aromatic semi sweet taste.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

‘Nectafine’ nectarine tree originated in a cultivated area of the southof France, in the 66 —Pyrénées-Orientales departement—France where itwas tested. This place is under a Mediterranean climate in a temperatearea characterized by irregular and low precipitation with drought insummer, high temperatures all year long. The ‘Nectafine’ variety wasobtained by seedling. The male parent was ‘Nectagala’ (U.S. Plant Pat.No. 17,581) yellow nectarine tree and the female parent was ‘Maillardou’(Bonbon®) (non-patented) yellow nectarine tree. ‘Nectafine’ wasprovisionally designated, tested and genetically identified by a geneticprofile, as 03.23.153 NJ and was registered at the Official Catalogue ofthe Agriculture Ministry of the French Republic on Nov. 14, 2007 undername ‘Nectalate’ and number 1024464. It was obtained by hybridizing andpropagated by grafting on a ‘Franc Inra Montclar®’ (non-patented)rootstock tree. It has been determined to have unique tree and fruitcharacteristics making it worthy for commercial fresh fruit production.There are no known effects of the standard ‘Franc Inra Montclar®’(non-patented) rootstock on the scion cultivar. Asexually propagatedplants remained true to the original tree and all characteristics of thetree and the fruit were transmitted. The plant was reproduced asexuallyby us in Les Régalines, Route d'Alenya, La Prade de Mousseillous, 66200ELNE, Pyrénées-Orientales, France.

SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

The new and distinct variety of nectarine tree blooms in March atPerpignan in the Pyrénées-Orientales departement, France. Moreparticularly, it generally blooms between March 3^(th) and March15^(th),approximately 1 day before ‘Nectalady’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 17,580).

The first fruit of ‘Nectafine’ ripens in middle to late September,approximately 12 days after ‘Nectalady’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No.17,580).More particularly, it approximately ripens between September 9^(th) andSeptember 19^(th).

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawing, which are as nearly true as it isreasonably possible to make in a color illustration of this type:

FIG. 1 is a color photograph which shows a twig bearing two typicalfruit specimens of the new variety and a third fruit cut in half, andleaves of the new variety.

FIG. 2 is a color photograph which shows a fruit cut in half with thepit left in one of the halves for depicting the fruit flesh, the pitcavity and the stone of the new variety.

FIG. 3 is a color photograph with reverse and size views of flowers ofthe new variety, and, with petals removed, reproductive organs of thenew variety.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

The tree, flowers, and fruit may vary in slight detail due to variationsin soil type, cultural practices, and climatic condition.

Trees are vigorous and of medium stature, half-standing in a semi-spreadout aspect. The anthocyanic coloration of the flowering shoot is presentexcluding brushwood side away from sun. Flowering begins semi-early inspringtime. The type of flower is showy with medium to large pinkpetals. Leaf glands are present and reniform. Time of maturity forconsumption is late. The fruit flesh is yellow with red pigmentationaround the stone cavity. Fruit skin color features an homogeneous brightred blush on 80% of the fruit skin surface. Fruit taste is semi-sweet.

The ‘Nectafine’ variety blooms approximately 1 day before ‘Nectalady’(U.S. Plant Pat. No.17,580) and has only approximately 35 to 40 flowersper meter instead of about 45 to 50 for ‘Nectalady’. The first fruit of‘Nectafine’ ripens 12 days after ‘Nectaladay’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No.17,580). ‘Nectafine’ fruits are bigger than ‘Nectalady’ fruits although‘Nectafine’ fruit skin blush only covers 80% of the fruit skin surfaceinstead of 90 to 100% for ‘Nectalady’.

The new variety male parent, which is ‘Nectagala’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No.17,581), comparatively ripens 1 month earlier than the new variety. Itwas chosen as a genitor because of the interesting size of its fruits,the very aromatic taste of its fruits and their conservation qualities.

The new variety female parent, which is ‘Maillardou’ (Bonbon®)(non-patented), comparatively ripens 12 days earlier than the newvariety. ‘Maillardou’ produces fruits of medium size but very tasty,thus rendering this variety interesting as a genitor. ‘Maillardou’ treesalso have more flowers than the new variety.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring more specifically to the pomological details of this new anddistinct variety of nectarine tree, the following was observed duringthe 2007 and 2008 growing seasons under the ecological conditionsprevailing at the orchards located near the town of Elne,Pyrénées-Orientales departement, France. All observations have been doneon rootstock cultivar. The rootstock was a ‘Franc Inra Montclar®’(non-patented) tree. More particularly, observations relative to tree,trunk, branches, leaves and fruit were done in August 2007 and August2008 on trees in their fourth and fifth growing season. Observationsrelative to flowers were done in March 2007 and March 2008 on trees intheir fourth and fifth growing season. All major color code designationsare by reference to The R.H.S. Colour Chart (Fourth Edition) provided byThe Royal Horticultural Society of Great Britain.

-   Tree:-   Size:    -   -   Generally.—Considered large. The tree size the first year            was approximately 280 cm. The tree was pruned during each            following dormant season to a height of approximately            250 cm. Current season shoots growth could reach 80 cm. The            tree size from the second year (second and next years)            reached a final height of 330 cm with current season shoots            length comprised.        -   Spread.—Approximately 150 to 200 cm with a cylindrical            shape. The whole orchard was oriented to a central leader            organization, with tree lines spaced of 4.0 meters and trees            spaced of 1.0 meter in a same tree line. As a result, the            orchard contains 2500 trees by hectare.        -   Vigour.—Considered average to vigorous (Trees height ranges            from 200 cm to 280 cm).        -   Productivity.—Very productive. Fruit set is spaced by            thinning to develop remaining fruit sinto the desired market            sized fruit. The number of fruits varies with the prevailing            climatic conditions, and cultural practices employed during            the bloom period, and is therefore not distinctive of the            present variety.        -   Bearer.—Very regular. Trees have to be thinned every year.        -   Form.—The ‘Nectafine’ variety has naturally a semi-spread            shape.        -   Density.—Considered dense.        -   Hardiness.—The present tree was grown and evaluated in            France. The variety appeared to be hardy under typical            central Pyrénées-Orientales departement climatic conditions.            Experimentations on different sites with winter chilling            requirement comprised between 350 and 1200 hours showed a            good behavior of the tree in all cases. Ascertained            temperatures as low as −12 degrees Celsius caused no damages            to the tree. The tree was also very resistant to frosty            springtime weather.-   Trunk:    -   -   Diameter.—Approximately between 8.0 and 9.5 cm in diameter            when measured at a distance of approximately 30 cm above the            soil level.        -   Bark texture.—Considered rough.        -   Lenticels.—Numerous lenticels are present. The lenticels            range in size from approximately 0.3 to 0.6 cm in width, and            from 0.14 to 0.27 cm in height.        -   Lenticel color.—The outside of lenticels has a silver-grey            color (varying from RHS Grey 201 D to RHS Black 202 D),            whereas the inside is considered brown (RHS Greyed Orange            166 B).        -   Bark coloration.—The bark has a silver-grey color (varying            from RHS Grey 201 C to RHS Black 202 C).-   Branches:    -   -   Size.—Mature branches are medium to thick for the variety            and current season shoots are of medium size.        -   Diameter.—Average as compared to other nectarine varieties.            The current season shoots have a diameter from 5.0 to 8.0            millimeters, and branches of trees have a diameter comprised            between 23.0 and 33.0 millimeters.        -   Surface texture.—Average, several years old wood has no            furrowed appearance.        -   Crotch angles.—Primary branches are considered variable, but            the crotch angles are generally between 60 and 70 degrees            from the horizontal axis. This particular characteristic is            not considered distinctive of the variety, however.-   Current season shoots:    -   -   Surface texture.—Substantially glabrous.        -   Internode length.—Generally 24.0 to 31.0 millimeters.        -   Color of mature branches.—Medium brown (RHS Grey Brown 199            A).-   Current seasons shoots:    -   -   Color.—The color of new shoot tips is considered a light            yellow green (varying from RHS Yellow Green 144 A to RHS            Yellow Green 144 B) on lower part of new shoot tips, whereas            the upper part is colored in orange brown (varying from RHS            Greyed Orange 173 B to RHS Greyed Orange 173 C.-   Leaves:    -   -   Size.—Considered large for the species. Leaf measurements            have been taken from vigorous, upright, current-season            growth at approximately mid-shoot. The ratio leaf            length/leaf width is between 3.6 and 3.8.        -   Leaf length.—Approximately 159 to 186 millimeters with            petiole.        -   Leaf width.—Approximately 40 to 48 millimeters.        -   Leaf base shape.—Concave.        -   Leaf form.—Lanceolate.        -   Leaf tip form.—Small and acuminate.-   Leaf color:    -   -   Upper leaf surface.—Dark Green (RHS Green 137 A).        -   Lower surface.—Medium Green (RHS Green 137 B to 137 C).        -   Leaf texture.—Smooth and glabrous.        -   Leaf venation.—Pinnately veined.-   Mid-vein:    -   -   Color.—Light yellow green (RHS Yellow Green 144 D to 144 C).        -   Leaf margins.—Slightly undulating.        -   Form.—Considered slightly dentate.        -   Uniformity.—Leaves are isolated or grouped by 2 or 3. In            this last case, it is found one leaf of normal size with one            or two smaller leaves (size-reduction of 50% and more).-   Leaf petioles:    -   -   Size.—Considered of medium to long size.        -   Length.—Between 8.0 and 10.0 mm.        -   Diameter.—About 2.0 mm.        -   Color.—Light yellow green (RHS Yellow Green 144 D to 144 C).-   Leaf glands:    -   -   Size.—Considered medium, their length is about 1.5            millimeters.        -   Number.—2 to 4 glands can be found on the leaf, although 3            glands are most generally observed.        -   Type.—Reniform.        -   Color.—On young leaves, leaf glands color is considered a            pale green (RHS Green 144 B). On older leaves, leaf glands            color turn to a dark brown (RHS Grey Brown 199 A to 199 B).-   Leaf stipules:    -   -   Generally.—No leaf stipules were observed. But as seen in            the characteristic relative to the leaves uniformity, it is            possible to find leaves by groups of 2 or 3, with a            normal-size leaf and smaller ones.-   Flowers:-   Flower buds:    -   -   Generally.—At pre-floral stage of development, the floral            buds are conic in form with a round tip. Their form is            evolving until blooming, with variables dimensions. Just            before blooming, floral buds are approximately 10.0            millimeters wide and approximately 20.0 millimeters long.-   Flower buds:    -   -   Color.—This characteristic is dependent upon the proximity            to bloom. At pre-floral stage of development, the bottom of            the flowers buds, formed by sepals, is of purple-brown color            (RHS Greyed Purple 183 A); the corolla, formed by petals, is            generally of pale pink color (varying from RHS Red Purple 65            B to RHS Red Purple 69C). Petals color shows an evolution            until the end of flowering. The buds are considered hardy            under typical central Pyrénées-Orientales departement            climatic conditions.        -   Hardiness.—No winter injury was noted during the last            several years of evaluation in the central Pyrénées            Orientales departement, with winter temperatures as low as            −10 degrees Celsius in January. The current variety has not            been intentionally subjected to drought or heat stress, but            the variety showed a very good resistance in orchard to            temperatures up to 42 degrees Celsius with an average            temperature between 28 and 30 degrees Celsius during 3 weeks            in summer.        -   Date of bloom.—Generally early March. The first bloom was            observed on Mar. 4, 2004.        -   Blooming time.—Considered of semi-early season in relative            comparison to other commercial nectarine cultivars grown in            the Pyrénées-Orientales departement, France. The date of            full bloom is observed on March, more particularly between            March 3^(rd) and March 15^(th). The date of bloom varies            slightly with climatic conditions and cultural practices.        -   Duration of bloom.—Approximately 12 days. This            characteristic varies slightly with the prevailing climatic            conditions.        -   Flower type.—The variety is considered to have showy type            flowers.        -   Flower size.—Considered medium to large. Flower diameter at            full bloom is approximately between 34.0 to 38.0            millimeters.        -   Bloom quantity.—Considered abundant, about 35 to 40 flowers            per meter.        -   Flower bud frequency.—Generally 2 flower buds appear per            node, occasionally 1.-   Petal size:    -   -   Generally.—Considered medium for the species.        -   Length.—Generally about 19.0 millimeters.        -   Width.—Generally about 16.0 millimeters.        -   Petal form.—Rounded.        -   Petal count.—Nearly always 5.        -   Petal texture.—Smooth and glabrous.        -   Petal color.—Light Pink (RHS Red Purple 69 B to C) slightly            darkening with senescence.        -   Fragrance.—Slight.-   Petal claw:    -   -   Form.—The claw is considered to have a conic form with a            slighty rounded extremity.        -   Length.—Approximately between 6.0 and 7.0 millimeters.        -   Width.—Approximately between 5.0 millimeters.        -   Petal margins.—Generally very slightly undulated.-   Petal apex:    -   -   Generally.—The petal apices have a large dome-shaped form.-   Flower pedicel:    -   -   Length.—Considered medium-long and having an average length            of approximately 4.0 millimeters.        -   Diameter.—Approximately 2.0 millimeters.        -   Color.—A medium brown (RHS Grey Brown N199 B to C).-   Floral nectaries:    -   -   Color.—A flat golden orange (approximately RHS Greyed Red            178 C to B).-   Calyx:    -   -   Internal surface texture.—Smooth and glabrous.        -   Color.—The outer surface of the calyx is considered of            Purple-brown (RHS Greyed Purple 183 A) color.-   Sepals:    -   -   Surface texture.—The outer surface has a fine pubescent            texture.        -   Size.—Generally medium.        -   Color.—A Brown Purple (RHS Greyed Purple 183 A).        -   Average number of stamens per flower.—About 40 stamens per            flower.-   Anthers:    -   -   Generally.—Small to medium in length.        -   Color.—Red to orange-red color (approximately RHS Greyed            Purple 178 A). Anthers are becoming yellow at maturity.        -   Pollen production.—Pollen is abundant, and has a yellow            color (Approximately RHS Yellow Orange 17 B to C). The            present variety is considered self fruitful            (self-pollinating).-   Filaments:    -   -   Size.—Variable in length, approximately 7.0 to 13.0            millimeters in length. Filaments length is generally            superior or equal to pistil's length.        -   Color.—Considered light to medium pink (varying from RHS Red            Purple 62 C-D to Red Purple 73 A-B).-   Pistil:    -   -   Number.—Usually 1.        -   Generally.—Medium in size.        -   Length.—Approximately 15.0 to 18.0 millimeters including the            ovary; Generally smaller or equal to filament's length.        -   Color.—Considered a very pale green (varying from RHS Yellow            Green 150 D Group to RHS Yellow Green 151 D Group).        -   Surface texture.—The variety has a glabrous pistil.-   Fruit:    -   -   Maturity when described.—Very firm ripe condition (shipping            ripe).        -   Date of first picking.—Sep. 13, 2004. The picking generally            occurs between September 9^(th) and September 19 ^(th). The            date of harvest varies slightly with the prevailing climatic            conditions.        -   Date of last picking.—Sep. 23, 2004. Only 2 harvests in 10            days were necessary.-   Size:    -   -   Generally.—Considered large, and uniform.        -   Average cheek diameter.—Approximately 78.0 millimeters.        -   Average axial diameter.—Approximately 76.0 millimeters.        -   Typical weight.—Approximately between 200.0 and 280.0 grams.            This characteristic is high dependent upon the prevailing            cultural practices, and therefore is not particularly            distinctive of the variety.-   Fruit form:    -   -   Generally.—Round. The fruit is generally uniform in            symmetry, viewed from pistil end.        -   Fruit suture.—Very shallow and smooth, extending from the            base to the apex. No apparent callousing or stitching exists            along the suture line.-   Suture:    -   -   Color.—This has generally a color similar to the whole fruit            color, a bright red (RHS Red 53 A) on a Orange-Red            background (RHS Orange Red N 34 A).-   Ventral surface:    -   -   Form.—Smooth.        -   Apex.—Non-prominent, slightly depressed, very small.        -   Base.—Shallow.        -   Stem cavity.—Average depth of the stem cavity is about            1.0 cm. Average width is about 2.2 cm.-   Fruit skin:    -   -   Thickness.—Considered very thick and strong, and very            tenacious to the flesh to tenacious to the flesh depending            on stage of maturity.        -   Texture.—Glabrous.        -   Taste.—Semi-sweet.        -   Tendency to crack.—None observed.-   Color:    -   -   Blush color.—This blush color is generally a bright red (RHS            Red 53 A) covering 80% of the fruit skin surface.        -   Ground color.—Orange-Red (RHS Orange Red N 34 A).        -   Fruit stem.—Medium in length, approximately 12.0            millimeters.        -   Diameter.—Approximately 4.0 millimeters.        -   Color.—Pale green (RHS Yellow Green 145A to 145 B).-   Flesh:    -   -   Ripens.—Very evenly, homogenous, long shelf-life of the            fruit.        -   Texture.—Very firm, very dense, juicy at harvest maturity            stage.        -   Fibers.—No fibers.        -   Aroma.—Pronounced.        -   Eating quality.—Considered very good and aromatic.        -   Flavor.—Considered semi-sweet. The Brix is generally            superior to 13.0 degrees. Acidity is comprised between 6 and            9 meq/100 ml. The flavor is considered aromatic. The flesh            is juicy.        -   Juice.—Very juicy at complete maturity.        -   Brix.—Generally superior to 13.0 degrees. This            characteristic varies slightly with the number of fruit per            tree, the prevailing cultural practices and the surrounding            climatic conditions.        -   Flesh color.—Generally Yellow (RHS Yellow 13 C) with red            pigmentation around the stone (RHS Red 53 A).-   Stone:    -   -   Type.—Clingstone.        -   Size.—Considered medium for the variety.        -   Length.—Approximately 35.0 millimeters.        -   Width.—Approximately 28.0 millimeters.        -   Diameter.—Approximately 23.0 millimeters.        -   Form.—Elliptic.        -   Base.—Straight.-   Apex:    -   -   Shape.—The stone apex has a small sharp tip.        -   Stone cavity.—Considered medium size, with an elliptic-form            and dimensions corresponding to stone's dimensions.-   Stone surface:    -   -   Surface texture.—The pit is transversely furrowed on its            entire surface. Furrows are more pronounced toward the apex.            The stone is pitted toward the base. Relief is prominent            generally and present basally.        -   Ridges.—The surface texture is generally characterized by            more prominent ridges along the ventral edges and is more            prominent at the apical tip.-   Ventral edge:    -   -   Width.—Considered small to medium, and having a dimension of            approximately 2.0 millimeters at mid-suture.-   Dorsal edge:    -   -   Shape.—Grooved.        -   Stone color.—The dry stone is generally orange-brown (RHS            Greyed Orange 176 A) to red-brown (RHS Greyed Red 178 A).        -   Tendency to split.—Splitting is absent.-   Kernel:    -   -   Size.—The kernel is considered medium.        -   Length.—About 20.0 millimeters.        -   Width.—About 14.0 millimeters.        -   Thickness.—About 6.0 millimeters.        -   Form.—Considered elliptic.        -   Pellicle.—Pubescent.        -   Color.—The kernel skin is a light yellow-orange (RHS Yellow            Orange 16 D). The almond is cream-white (RHS Orange Chite            159 D). The kernel and its embryo are mature at the time of            fruit maturity.        -   Use.—The subject variety ‘Nectafine’ is considered to be a            nectarine tree of the late season of maturity, and which            produces fruits that are considered very firm, attractively            colored. Fruits are excellent for uncooked consumption,            crunchy or at full maturity. Due to their flesh quality,            firmness and density, they can also be commercialized as            4^(th) range product (packed fruit or fruit in bags for            example). And they are also useful for both local and very            long distance shipping.        -   Keeping quality.—Excellent. Fruit stayed a little more than            one week on tree before harvest and then, has stored well            more than 4 weeks after harvest at 2.0 degree Celsius. They            have a slow maturation and a long shelf life both on the            tree after growth completion and after harvesting without            alteration.        -   Shipping quality.—Considered very good. Fruits of the new            nectarine variety showed minimal bruising of the flesh or            skin damage after being subjected to normal harvesting and            packing procedures. Its resistance to handling during            harvest and packing and its long shelf life without            alteration after harvest easily permit 3 to 4 weeks shipping            at 2 degrees Celsius.        -   Resistance to insects and disease.—No particular            susceptibilities were noted. Under our climatic conditions,            favourable to powdery mildew, and with few treatments, the            present variety has not been shown to be very sensitive to            powdery mildew, or conservation diseases and decay due to            its thick and strong skin. No bacteriostatic substances were            applied, and no symptom was observed. Although the new            variety of nectarine tree possesses the described            characteristics when grown under the ecological conditions            prevailing near the town of Elne, France, it should be            understood that variations of the usual magnitude and            characteristics incident to changes in growing conditions,            fertilization, pruning, pest control and horticultural            management are to be expected.

1. A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree as illustrated anddescribed, characterized by fruits of very long shelf life withoutalteration before and after harvesting, with a semi-sweet yellow fleshof high eating quality and an attractive skin, with a very highpercentage of red blush.